# Happy Easter Sunday: a time of hope
*2020-04-11*

> Bill Young reflects on the hope of the Resurrection through the writings of Father Henry Newman and leads the third day of the Novena to Divine Mercy.

## The Light of Easter

Happy Easter, everyone. Today we are completing our reading from 'A Journey of the Heart: Lenten Reflections and Prayers' by Father Henry Newman. The theme for today is 'A Time of Hope,' which feels especially important in this current moment of history. Reflecting on Luke 24:5, we are asked, 'Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.'

Father Newman reminds us that the Easter season is a time of hope. While there is still fear and a painful awareness of our sinfulness, there is also a light breaking through. This is something new that goes beyond the changing moods of our lives. Whether we are joyful, sad, optimistic, or angry, the presence of God moves deeper than the small waves of our minds and hearts. Easter brings the good news that although things may seem to get worse in the world, the evil one has already been overcome. Even when God seems distant, our Lord walks with us on the road, explaining the scriptures to us.

## The Chaplet of Divine Mercy

As it is the 3 o'clock hour, we turn to the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. We begin by invoking the ocean of mercy opened for the whole world, trusting in the blood and water that gushed forth from the heart of Jesus. Following the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Apostles' Creed, we offer the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world, praying for mercy upon us and the entire world for the sake of His sorrowful passion.

## The Novena and Litany

Today marks the third day of the Novena to Divine Mercy. The Lord tells us, 'Bring me all the souls who are devoted and faithful souls and immerse them in the ocean of my mercy.' We pray that the faithful may never lose the treasures of the Holy Faith but instead glorify God's boundless mercy for all ages.

We also pray the Litany of Divine Mercy, acknowledging that Divine Mercy is the greatest attribute of God, an incredible mystery, and the source of all life and happiness. From the open wound of the heart of Jesus to the institution of the Sacred Host and the Sacrament of Baptism, we trust in the mercy that accompanies us through our whole life and embraces us at the hour of death.

## Preparing for Divine Mercy Sunday

Looking ahead to Divine Mercy Sunday on April 19th, I want to remind everyone to prepare. In a world currently in peril due to the coronavirus, many cannot attend Mass, receive Communion, or go to confession. Father Chrysalaura has stated that you do not have to be Catholic to receive the blessings of this day. By meditating on the mysteries and saying specific prayers—the sacramental graces for communion and an act of contrition—one can receive a beautiful gift of mercy that cleanses the soul.

In the Catholic faith, we believe in purgatory as a place of purification for sins. However, the graces of Divine Mercy Sunday offer a 'clean slate.' It is like a spiritual express pass to heaven. There are no excuses to miss this opportunity; God has removed the obstacles, even for those who cannot reach a priest. I encourage everyone to do these prayers and share this message with friends and family, because God wants everyone to go to heaven—especially the hardest of sinners, for whom He died on the cross.

*Regardless of your background or current circumstances, embrace the Divine Mercy that offers a fresh start and an express path to heaven.*